“This book tells you all you need to know about how to get on.” The Times

“Relatively few books have been written with assistant solicitors in mind, about how to succeed at the business of being a lawyer… fewer still have devised a programme for so doing that runs alongside a book. This book does both.”Law Society (The Law Management Section)

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The Author

Empowering the next generation of lawyers to be business generators and visionary leaders.

“Overhaus has been there.” Managing Partner Magazine

Jennifer Overhaus has achieved what she teaches. As an experienced partner and global practice head within a top 50 global law firm, and award winning practicing lawyer for over 20 years (in leading American and UK magic circle firms) Jennifer knows what it takes to succeed… and she is passionate about sharing her knowledge with you.

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Networking tip 4: Find common interests

We are all constantly looking for connections and common interests. When we do find them, we create associations, camaraderie, and friendships—and, of course, we expand our personal network.

Create a Bond

Finding things in common can be so simple! Sometimes even one shared experience will do. (“Hang on. Weren’t you at that appalling conference in Toronto where . . .?”) In fact, sometimes a single incident can create a lasting bond. I have a former client, Owen, with whom I negotiated a deal in meetings that went on until dawn. When I run into him today, he always teasingly introduces me as the “the lady lawyer with whom he once spent the night.” By telling that story, Owen makes me feel more like a friend with a shared past than a legal advisor!

Networking tip 3: Connect people with people

Today’s tip is again short and sweet: build your network by connecting other people.

One of the keys to helping others within your network is to bring people together for their mutual benefit. This is what networking is all about, and the results typically achieve more than any other act of generosity. As a credible source making an introduction, you automatically generate trust between the people you bring together, and they’re able to commence a beneficial relationship with confidence—feeling gratitude toward you as well.

It’s all in the attitude

A lawyer friend of mine recently lost her job (very unexpectedly and—in my view—quite unfairly): a job that she had really invested herself in and thoroughly enjoyed. So I was extremely surprised (though equally impressed) when, rather than view her situation as horribly unfair, she chose to view it positively as an opportunity to recharge her batteries. Her attitude reminded me of a story I once heard that demonstrates that any situation can be viewed as positive or negative, depending upon how we choose to see it…. And a negative situation can very quickly turn into a positive one.